Berry

Pictured from left to right, Sherry Simpson Grey was recognized as Berry Woman of the Year for 2024, and Landon Aldridge was recognized as Berry Man of the Year for 2024. The ceremony was held on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 at the Berry Civic Center. Grey was nominated by the Berry Women’s Club, and Aldridge was nominated by the Industrial Board.

The Town of Berry Industrial Development Authority (IDA) held its organizational meeting on June 27 at the Berry Civic Center. All board members were present except for board member Scott Madison. President Wesley Madison initiated the proceedings, and Vice President Kenneth Bozeman led an opening prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The 2024 FCCLA National Leadership Conference (NLC) took place in Seattle, WA, from June 29 – July 3, drawing more than 8,000 students, educators, and guests from across the nation. This gathering provided a valuable platform for attendees to expand their leadership skills, sharpen their talents, explore career pathways, and listen to inspiring speakers. The highly anticipated Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events were at the heart of the conference.

The Berry Women’s Club received a grant from Tombigbee RC&D to refurbish the “Old Town Well”. The gazebo was reconstructed featuring a blue interior roof and topped with a weather vein on the shingled roof. The bright white exterior brings attention to the beautiful structure. Attached benches are provided for visitors. The grounds were landscaped with plants, a tree, rocks, and signage. The tree was donated by Mickey Lollar in memory of Toni Morgan.

The Berry Fire Department interacted with seniors at the Berry Civic Center, discussing fire safety and the smoke alarm program organized by the State Fire Marshal Office. They appreciated the opportunity to engage with these esteemed individuals

For over eight decades, Paul Yerby, a cherished local artist, has been painting the canvas of life through his art. Yerby was born in 1937 in the Salem community north of Boley Springs in Fayette County, and has lived in or near Berry all of his life. His journey began in grammar school, where he was recognized as the class artist by his teachers and peers. “I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember, and I did a lot of drawing in school,” he said. “I reckon the Lord just gave me some talent for it.” This sparked a passion that would last a lifetime.

The Berry Fire Department has recently been placed under new management and is actively seeing new recruits for the volunteer fire department.

On Saturday, June 29, around 1:18 a.m., Berry Police were alerted to a possible break in at Berry Discount Apothecary.  According to Berry Police Officer Randall Kelley, surveillance cameras began recording the incident when the suspects broke out the windows of the establishment.